Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The objective is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Players predominantly use their feet to maneuver the ball, though they may use any part of the body except the arms and hands (the goalkeeper is an exception, as they can use their hands within the penalty area). The match is divided into two halves, typically lasting 45 minutes each, with a short halftime break.

Soccer is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the international level, and it is one of the most widely played and followed sports globally. It emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, making it a popular sport for both players and spectators. The sport’s governing rules are encapsulated in the Laws of the Game, which outline various aspects of play, including fouls, offsides, and scoring. Soccer is known for its global reach and cultural significance, often seen as a unifying activity that brings together diverse populations.